When your back is sore, it’s more than just pain that is a problem. It affects your ability to move and participate in your favorite activities of your daily life. Often, back pain develops as a result of poor posture or overuse. In these cases, resting, stretching and icing is the only back pain treatment you need.
However, some cases of back pain require medical attention for treatment. In fact, about 16 million U.S. adults are living with chronic back pain that requires professional care. If you’re experiencing back pain that persists for an extended period or is unbearably painful, you should seek medical assistance.
Signs of severe back pain
Minor back pain usually displays itself as a dull and achy pain located in the lower back. Watch out for the following symptoms, though, to know when you should seek medical assistance for your back pain:
- Back pain grows worse as you stand or sit for long periods.
- Pain becomes stinging or burning and spreads from your lower back into your hips or legs.
- It is difficult to stand up, sit down or move around.
- You experience muscle spasms in your lower back or hips.
If you’re experiencing these kinds of symptoms, you should seek medical attention. Our physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy specialize in developing back pain treatments to help reduce pain and restore your range of motion.
Treating back pain with physical therapy
Physical therapists have years of training and experience in treating the human musculoskeletal system. Each patient these specialists see receives an individualized treatment tailored to his or her needs and goals.
Your physical therapist can assist you in restoring the strength and flexibility of your muscles to reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Back pain treatments typically include:
- Therapeutic exercises and stretches intended to strengthen and stretch back muscles
- Manual therapy designed to mobilize joints and soft tissue in your back
- Myofascial release that can help release knots of tension in the soft tissue of your back
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) designed to break down scar tissue in the back
- Cupping intended to improve blood flow to injured areas of the back
- Virtual therapy that allows you to work with a physical therapist via a secure online video feed
Find effective back pain treatment at Whatcom Physical Therapy
Are you suffering from chronic or severe back pain? Are you experiencing back pain but you’re unsure of how serious it is? Either way, you should contact us at Whatcom Physical Therapy to discuss your treatment options today. We look forward to working with you to help improve your quality of life.
Our Locations
FAQ
Conditions Library